Formal and Practical Aspects of Implementing Abstract Data Types in the Prolog Instruction

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Haberman, Bruria

Affiliations: Department of Computer Science, Holon Institute of Technology and Department of Science Teaching, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel, e-mail: bruria.haberman@weizmann.ac.il

Abstract: Abstract data types constitute a central tool in computer science and play an important role in problem solving, knowledge representation, and programming. In this paper, formal and practical aspects of utilizing abstract data types (ADTs) are discussed in the context of logic programming when using the Prolog programming language. The approach is presented in the following stages: (a) First, alternative ways of implementing ADTs in terms of Prolog constructs are presented and partial encapsulation of ADTs in terms of grey boxes is demonstrated. (b) Next, complete encapsulation of ADTs in terms of black boxes is suggested in a way that strictly reflects the concept's formal computer science definition while taking into consideration the characteristics and constraints of the logic programming paradigm. (c) Finally, implications for instruction are discussed.

Keywords: abstract data types, information hiding, black boxes, grey boxes, logic programming

Journal: Informatica, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 17-30, 2008